If you have a love of sports with the knowledge to back it up and a strong speaking voice, you may want to consider a career as a sports broadcaster. Also known as sportscasters, these professionals serve as sports reporters or sports journalists. A degree in journalism is recommended if you want to pursue what can be a colorful and fun career.

Introduction

A sports broadcaster, also known as a sportscaster, is someone who reports sporting events on television, radio or web casts. There are generally two types: those who report the sports news of the day as part of a regular newscast and those who report on games as they are happening. Sports broadcasters may cover a wide range of sports from baseball, football and basketball to track and field, volleyball, figure skating and the Summer and Winter Olympics. Others may broadcast only one sport or one sports team. The covering of sports is a huge enterprise, with many television channels and radio stations devoted to nothing but sports. Sports broadcasting can, therefore, be a lucrative occupation, with some sportscasters developing reputations for themselves and even becoming celebrities.

Job Skills and Duties

Duties can vary depending on the type of sports broadcaster. Some who work for news stations cover all sports, taking a few minutes during a broadcast to announce daily scores, report on pertinent sports stories and do interviews with known sports figures. Others, as part of their job, provide on-the-air opinion pieces and editorials. Broadcasters who provide commentary during a game usually fall into the category of play-by-play announcers or color commentators. Play-by-play announcers describe to listeners what is going on minute by minute, providing a more detailed description for those listening to the radio and a less detailed one for those watching on television. Color commentators provide 'color,' meaning they add something extra to the broadcast by commenting on what is going on as opposed to reporting it.

Training Required

Sports broadcasters usually come from a journalism background, having earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the subject. While earning a degree gives many an advantage, experience and knowledge in the field also plays an important role. Some sportscasters are former athletes. Others are people who worked in another aspect of sports, such as public relations, statistics or business. Some will have worked with one particular team, before moving up in the ranks and getting their on-air opportunity. Sports broadcasters must have strong knowledge of the sport they are covering. They should also be able to react quickly to things as they happen and have a firm speaking voice that is enjoyable to listen to.

Well Known Jobs Within this Field of Expertise

Jobs within in this field include sports newscasters, game announcers, color commentators and sports reporters. Some who graduate with a degree in journalism or who gain experience in the broadcasting field, end up working in public relations, advertising and sales.

Conclusion

Sports broadcasting can be a fun and colorful career. Many sportscasters end up being the 'voice' of a particular sports team. Others develop reputations with the public by becoming a newcast's regular sports reporter. Sports broadcasters often get the opportunity to travel, sometimes all over the world. For those who love sports but don't have the ability to play professionally, it could be considered a dream job.